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"If Shaq and KD had a baby" - Kendrick Perkins has a unique description for Wemby's dominance
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- "If Shaq and KD had a baby" - Kendrick Perkins has a unique description for Wemby's dominance
Over a day has passed since Victor Wembanyama 's sensational season debut, wherein he put up 40 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in a convincing win by the San Antonio Spurs over their in-state rivals, the Dallas Mavericks . However, the time that has passed has done little to stem the swell of praise and buzz surrounding the 7'5" French phenom.
Kendrick Perkins , a former NBA champion and current basketball analyst for ESPN, could only sit in awe as he watched Wembanyama dismantle one of the top defensive players of all time, Anthony Davis . On "NBA Today," Perk went so far as to say that Wemby's memorable performance made him seem like the spawn of two of the most incredible players in league history: Shaquille O'Neal and Kevin Durant .
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The Mavericks' defense is no joke
Many have pegged the Mavs to be one of the league's top teams this season. With a frontline led by many-time All-Star Anthony Davis, P.J. Washington , Dereck Lively II and this year's top pick, Cooper Flagg , the Mavericks have a formidable group of big men. However, Wembanyama's remarkable performance made it seem like he's in a class all on his own.
"Over the last 10–15 years, even when I was playing, that was the most dominant performance I've ever seen on opening night for a team," Perk shared . "I mean, do you realize who he was going against? He was going against the Dallas Mavericks — who, by the way, I believe are going to be one of the best defensive teams in the league because of their front line."
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"We're talking about if Shaq and KD had a baby, you'd get Victor Wembanyama ," he stressed.
As imposing as the Mavs' frontcourt is, Wemby wasn't fazed. The French phenom showed off his impressive footwork and soft touch around the basket, making all but six of his 21 shots.
"That play with Dereck Lively — when he blocked his shot on one end, volleyball spiked it, pushed it down the floor, hit him with a Shamgod, went between the legs, crossed in and out, stepped back for the four-point play — and then that old unorthodox thing he's got going on, off one leg with those bank shots falling…" Perk continued. "I'm sitting up here saying to myself, 'Man, how in the hell is anybody going to stop this man?'"
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Emphasized playing inside more
Growing up in France, Wembanyama had always been the tallest guy on the court. Naturally, his coaches urged him to play more inside, rather than handling the ball and taking many perimeter shots. According to ESPN senior reporter Brian Windhorst, he had always been resistant to this instruction.
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"Victor always resisted it because Victor doesn't want to be known as a tall guy who plays basketball. He wants to be known as a basketball player who is tall. He's articulated that just this week," Windy disclosed.
It's an approach he has used at every step of his career, and last season, Victor shot a whopping 8.8 threes per game, making 35.2 percent of them. While it's astounding to see a man of his size and length play from the outside, his being out there ultimately mitigates his most significant advantage: his height.
However, something clicked in the offseason. Wembanyama emphasized playing inside more and took only two threes per game in the preseason. In the game against Dallas, he continued to play his new style, dominating inside the arc and scoring with ease.
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"I told you he averaged nine threes a game last year — he took two last night. Do you know how many times last year he took two three-pointers in a game? Zero," Windy divulged. "Victor Wembanyama is playing bully ball. He's stronger, he's figured it out, and the league is in trouble."
Wembanyama has unlocked another level of his game, adding a new facet to his already impressive skillset. The move to play more inside has not only made him a more dangerous player but also speaks to his adaptability and willingness to do what's best for the Spurs. Most importantly, it should also terrify the rest of the league, knowing there's little anyone can do when a 7'5" man decides to do his damage inside the shaded lane.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
